In Passing – November 2025

Harry George Ackstein

June 7, 1938, Wakaw, Saskatchewan–Sept. 26, 2025, Goodyear, Arizona

Harry was the eldest son of Harry and Anne Ackstein, born in Wakaw, Saskatchewan, in 1938. He was resourceful and ambitious from the start, selling seeds and delivering newspapers. Right out of high school at the age of 18, he took a train to Winnipeg to interview for an entry level position at the Bank of Montreal (BMO). First as a teller, he quickly moved through branch positions until he was traversing the Canadian prairies as an auditor. At a branch where he was stationed one Monday morning, he spotted a young teacher cashing her paycheck—his high school sweetheart, Patricia Kindrachuk. They were engaged a week later and she joined him on his big adventure. The bank asked Harry to take on new roles with increasing responsibility, and he said yes every time. “Yes” moved Harry and Pat from across Canada, bringing their new daughter Lois with them, then to the Bahamas, New York, Toronto, and Chicago. Each move made possible by Pat’s support and growing expertise in relocations. Lois quickly fitting in as the new kid in school. Harry thrived in his latest posting and cherished these opportunities to see how other people lived. Endlessly curious about the history of any place they lived, he became an ambassador, guiding visitors through local cultural sites.

Harry concluded his 42-year banking journey in the position of Executive Vice President of Operations. He took great pride in his work and it showed in his dedication and ingenuity. The small town prairie boy came a long way and touched many lives in his distinguished career. Upon retirement, Harry and Pat relocated to PebbleCreek in Goodyear, Ariz. Harry spent a few years selling golf carts, using his wit and charm to be on a first-name basis with pretty much everyone in the community. Later years were spent reading, golfing, and socializing with the many friends he and Pat had made over the years. Everyone who knew him will recall his boundless curiosity, sharp insights on a wide range of topics, and sense of humor.

Harry was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Patricia (Kindrachuk), and his brother, Albert Ackstein. He is survived by his daughter Lois (Paul) Niven, nephew Andrew (Jody) Ackstein, and their children, Arlo and Emma.

Arrangements are private.

 

Howard Wendell Shannon

Howard Wendell Shannon passed away peacefully in Goodyear, Ariz., on Sept. 21, 2025, just days shy of his 97th birthday, with family by his side.

Born on Sept. 29, 1928, in Barre, Vt., Howard grew up in the Green Mountains and served two years in the U.S. Navy after graduating from high school in 1946. He married Patricia Gallagher in 1950 and earned his degree from the University of Vermont in 1952. Howard began his career at General Electric and later joined Honeywell when they acquired GE’s computer division. In 1968, the family moved to Phoenix, Ariz.—a place he and Pat would come to love deeply and never wish to leave.

Howard valued family, work, play, and friendship. He retired from Honeywell in 1987 as Comptroller, after which he fully embraced his passion for golf. His skill was remarkable: he made 13 holes–in–one and shot his age more than 800 times. He especially enjoyed playing with family and friends, often hosting multi-generational gatherings at the family home in Moon Valley.

He also gave generously to his community, volunteering his financial expertise for over 40 years as a board member of Arizona OIC.

Howard is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Pat (2015). He is survived by six children who adored him: Kim Holmes (Skip), Karren Vantzelfde (Mark), Scott Shannon (Suze), Kelly Harris (Brad), Bill Shannon (Kerri), and David Shannon (Stacy).

He is also survived by eleven grandchildren: Matthew Holmes (Jen), Jessica Caffrey (Drew), Nick Vantzelfde (Lauren Erb), Nate Vantzelfde (Swapna), Sarah Shannon (Jon Holter), Noah Shannon (Katie Zanecchia), Shannon Williams (Josh), Katie Sergieff (Trifin), Erin Shannon (Peter Wahman), Jamie Shannon Girvin (Zeb), and Collin Shannon; along with 12 great-grandchildren and another on the way.

Howard spent his final years within PebbleCreek and then at The Reserve in Goodyear. He will be remembered for his cheerful presence, even-tempered wisdom, and the warm, welcoming spirit he extended to all.

A private family service will be held. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Valley at hov.org.

 

Louise (Cloutier) Archambault

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our lovely friend, Louise Archambault, on Sept. 13, 2025. She was not only our friend, but a beautiful mother, grandmother, and sister who is now singing with the angels’ choir in Heaven.

Louise will forever be remembered for her kindness, generosity, thoughtfulness, and her amazing spark, her “Joie de vivre.” She had a magnetic personality and loved to dress up, sing, dance, travel, and cook. If you ever had the privilege to experience her cooking, you would know exactly what this means—from a cheeseball to lasagna, to turkey dinners and special cookies at Christmas—she could do it all.

Louise grew up in Edmundston, New Brunswick, Canada, and later moved to Montreal where she met her husband, James Thomas Archambault. They were married in December 1974 and started a family shortly thereafter. They were blessed to have two wonderful sons, Brian and Nathan. After a decade in Maine, they moved to Wisconsin where they continued to raise their boys before deciding to return to Maine.

Upon the death of her precious and devoted husband in 2013, Louise adventured out again to Arizona, settling in PebbleCreek.

In PebbleCreek, her network of social activities expanded and the friendships were numerous. She was actively involved in golf and many clubs. She loved to sing, so karaoke was her passion each week—often singing a cappella at the end of the evening. Her monthly calendar was always full!

Louise is survived by her two loving sons Brian (Christian) and Nathan, her granddaughter Emma, sisters Patricia and Norma, brothers Charles and Norman. Her song will forever live in their hearts.

A Mass of Resurrection and Celebration of Life for Louise Archambault was held Oct. 17, 2025, at St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church in Surprise, Ariz.

Her full obituary can be found at dignitymemorial.com.

 

Roberta Rita Fiorino

Roberta Rita Fiorino was born Aug. 8, 1937, and passed away Sept. 2, 2025. She was a longtime resident of PebbleCreek on the Tuscany Falls side. She was active in golf, bowling, and bocce ball. She also loved theater productions.

 

 

 

 

Larry Dave Hartsook

Larry Dave Hartsook, 82, of Clive, Iowa, and Goodyear, Ariz., passed away peacefully on Aug. 24, 2025, after waging a fight with cancer.

Larry was born on March 30, 1943, the son of David and Ruby Hartsook of Urbandale, Iowa. He graduated from Urbandale High School, then went on to Grand View University followed by Drake University, earning a B.S. degree in 1967 with majors in Accounting and Marketing.

Larry married Lori Gramley on Feb. 2, 1983. Larry and Lori loved to travel, exploring new cultures together and with friends.

Larry retired from Meredith Corporation in 1998, where he served as VP of Finance and Chief Financial Officer. He worked there for 29 years in various accounting and financial roles prior to his retirement.

Larry especially loved golf. He hit the links three or four times a week into his 80s. He was proud of his two holes-in-one, and he and his partner won their division in a tournament this past April.

Larry was active in his community and spent time supporting Junior Achievement, Variety Club, Link Associates, the Mind & Spirit Counseling Center, the Science Center of Iowa, ESNA Village Network, and Grand View University. This year he is being honored with Grand View’s Distinguished Alumni Award. He volunteered his time with his churches, Heartland Presbyterian Church in Clive, Iowa, and The Church at Litchfield Park in Litchfield Park, Ariz. He helped with everything from financial audits to changing light bulbs to greeting on Sunday mornings.

Larry was a quiet, generous man who loved to give of himself under the radar, whether it be to anonymously pick up the dinner tab of a group of high schoolers headed to prom, or to paint a church classroom and just wait to “see if anyone notices.” If he stayed at your home, you might find odd jobs completed or a freshly washed car.

Larry’s legacy will live on through his family. He gave his children a firm foundation and showed his love by always being there for them. His love and dedication will never be forgotten.

Remaining to cherish Larry’s life are his wife, Lori Hartsook, three children, five grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

A Celebration of Life is planned in PebbleCreek for mid-November.

 

Robert Lee Macy

Bob passed away on Sept. 8, 2025, at the age of 86, from a hemorrhagic stroke.

Bob’s unwavering love for his family was the guiding force in his life. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Marsha, his cherished son, Robert Scott, and his adored daughter, Athena Julianette. His grandchildren, Adriana, Harper, and Luke were his pride and joy. His children’s spouses, Marisa Macy and Richard Schwartz, were warmly welcomed into the family.

He was born in Lincoln, Neb., to Ernest and Julia Macy and raised in California. His strong sense of duty and patriotism led him to join the Navy in 1958 where he served on the USS Ranger in Air Intelligence. Bob met Marsha in 1961, and they were married in 1962. He was preceded in death by his parents and his older brother Ernest Richard.

After Bob and Marsha completed degrees at CSU, Fullerton, and their graduate work at the USIU, San Diego, they undertook internships with the Orange County Department of Mental Health. They soon embarked on a new chapter, moving with their son to Washington state where they spent 40 years in private practice in forensic psychology. After retiring, they moved to Goodyear, Ariz. Bob began playing the game he had loved in his youth, pool, and quickly became a champion. His skill and passion for the game were unmistakable.

Bob’s laughter was infectious, and his humor was a defining characteristic. Throughout his life, he brought joy and light-heartedness to those around him. His specialty was not just laughter, but the ability to make others laugh at even the most absurd of topics.

We will miss him dearly.